Elements of stretched false ceiling, use of same for producing false walls and false ceilings

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns a false wall element comprising a stretched fabric in a frame with lateral edge provided with means catching the edges of said fabric, said lateral edge comprising a rigid profiled section forming a free edge curved in the plane, with curvature corresponding to that of a part of the edge of said fabric fastened on said curved edge. Said false wall elements are used for making curved stretched suspended false ceilings and stretched false walls with curved profile.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the technical field of false ceilings and tautfalse walls.

In the prior art, there already exist a large number of embodiments ofthese false ceilings.

By way of example, reference can be made to the patent applications inFrance published under the following numbers: 2 767 851, 2 751 682, 2734 296, 2 712 006, 2 707 708, 2 703 711, 2 699 211, 2 699 209, 2 695670, 2 691 193, 2 688 849, 2 685 036, 2 645 135, 2 630 476, 2 627 207, 2624 167, 2 623 540, 2 619 531, 2 597 906, 2 611 779, 2 592 416, 2 587447, 2 561 690, 2 587 392, 2 552 473, 2 537 112, 2 531 012, 2 524 922, 2475 093, 2 486 127, 2 523 622, 2 310 450, 2 270 407, 2 202 997, 2 175854, 2 145 147, 2 106 407, 2 078 579, 2 002 261, 1 475 446, 1 303 930, 1287 077.

For examples, reference can also be made to the following documents:U.S. Pat. No. 5,058,340; U.S. Pat. No. 4,083,157; U.S. Pat. No.4,083,157; EP-A-643 180, EP-A-652 339, EP-A-588 748, EP-A-504 530,EP-A-338 925, EP-A-281 468, EP-A-215 715, EP-A-089 905, EP-A-043 466,WO-A-94/12741, WO-A-92/18722.

It is also possible to consult by way of example the following patentapplications in France of the Applicant: 736 615, 2 756 600, 2 727 711,2 712 325, 2 699 613, 2 695 670, 2 692 302, 2 658 849.

Known materials of the prior art for embodying taut false ceilings ortaut false walls are most often polymer materials provided with a largenumber of qualities, such as in particular fire resistance, imperviousto air and thus be impervious to dust or humidity, and facility ofmaintenance.

False ceilings obtained with the aid of these materials can incorporateinsulating materials, spotlights or various lighting, as well asventilation or aeration openings or sprinklers.

As they can be dismantled, intervention can be effected in the plenum.

Polymer materials for known taut ceilings in the prior art, which may betranslucent or opaque, possibly fully tinted, mat, lacquered, marbled,suede or velvet-finished, can therefore be used in an industrialenvironment, a hospital environment, for collective equipment,laboratories or dwellings.

The lacquered finish makes it possible to have a mirror effect oftenimplemented in commercial centres, a relatively mat finish approaching aplaster aspect being more usual in traditional decors.

In a former technique, the fabrics or top sheets at the ceiling or at awall being definitively fixed by means of points or staples.

Conventional taut false ceilings currently include

-   -   firstly, a horizontal frame secured to the upper portion of the        walls of a room, this frame being an external heald formed by        butt-jointed sectional bars;    -   secondly, a lap stretched horizontally inside this frame.

This disposition enables elements at the taut ceiling to be dismantled.

Supporting of the lap with respect to the heald frame is obtained byvarious means, several examples being given below.

According to a first type of embodiment, the heald includes a U-shapedthroat limited by two walls, one of the two walls having a liporientated towards the bottom of the throat, hooks placed on thecircumference of the lap being firmly anchored on this lip.

For this first type of embodiment, reference can be made to the documentFR-A-1 303 930.

According to a second type of embodiment, the heald includes a U-shapedthroat limited by two walls, one of the two walls including a shoulderhaving one portion situated towards the bottom of the throat forming astop.

For this second type of embodiment, reference can be made to thedocuments FR-A-1 475 446 and FR-A-2 002 261.

According to a third type of embodiment, the heald is a flat profile,the lap being squeezed between this profile and the wall on which it isfixed.

For this third type of embodiment, reference can be made to for examplethe document FR-A-2 734 296.

According to a fourth type of embodiment, the heald is provided withmeans forming tension and fitting pliers.

For this fourth type of embodiment, reference can be made for example tothe documents FR-A-2 699 211 and FR-A-2 537 112.

According to a fifth type of embodiment, the heald is provided with athroat in which hook-shaped elements integral with the lap can begripped in the way of a harpoon.

For this fifth type of embodiment, reference can be made for example tothe documents FR-A-2 630 476 and EP-A-388 925.

In frames of taut ceilings of the prior art, regardless of the means forretaining tension of the lap on the heald frame. (stop, cramp irons,forked ties, clamping, catching . . . ), the healds are normally made ofan extruded polymer material.

For the most part, taut ceilings are moreover mounted with their lapfully taut.

In certain particular embodiments with the lap being taut on ahorizontal heald frame secured to the walls of a room, deformations ofthe taut lap are embodied, as described in the documents FR-A-1 515 260and EP-A-281 468.

Thus, the document EP-A-281 468 describes a false ceiling comprising ataut lap hooked along its edges to a horizontal support frameconstituted by butt-jointed profile bars fixed to the walls of a room.Above the lap, means are placed exerting on the lap on at least onepoint an adjustable force provoking its deformation. These means includea cable moving through a pulley fixed to the ceiling of a room, saidcable supporting a heavy weight on the lap.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

So as to fit out extremely large areas, such as commercial galleries,airports, factories and warehouses, the inventors have noticed thatusers, architects and stylists would respond favourably to the offer oftaut false ceilings with aspects more varied than those currentlyavailable to relieve the monotony of conventional taut false ceilings orsuspended false ceilings.

One of the aims of the invention is to provide new taut ceilingstructures responding to this application, these taut ceiling structuresmaking it possible to obtain laps of taut fabrics, possibly flat, whoseedges are not formed solely or mainly of linear segments, but mayinclude or be formed solely of predetermined curved, convex or concavesegments.

To achieve these ends, the invention relates according to a first aspectto a false partition element including a taut fabric in a side borderframe provided with means for hooking the edges of said fabric, saidside border of the frame including a rigid profile forming a curvedinward free edge inside the plane with a curve corresponding to that ofa portion of the edge of said fabric hooked onto this free curved inwardedge of the frame.

This false partition element has the following characteristics, possiblycombined, according to various embodiments:

-   -   the side edge of the frame is formed by assembling edge to edge        the two extremities of a single profiles including a curved        section, for example having a circular or elliptic shape. As a        variant, especially for large frames, the side edge of said        frame is formed by assembling edge to edge at least two        profiles, at least one of the latter including a curved section,        for example with the shape of an arc of a circle or ellipse;    -   the side edge of said frame is formed by profiles made of a        material selected from the group including metal alloys,        especially aluminium or magnesium alloys, polymer materials or        composite materials;    -   the side border profiles of the frame include a main wall, this        main wall supporting several projections orientated towards the        inside of said frame, namely: an extreme top sole and, starting        from this extreme top sole to move to the opposing extremity of        said profiles, firstly projections defining insertion rails by        sliding of plates inside the frame, and secondly at last one        projection for hooking the side edge of the taut fabric.

In certain embodiments, the frame includes rails forming braces mountedapproximately perpendicular to the profiles forming its lateral edge.

The frame includes also if appropriate side rails, the unit constitutedby the rails and side rails forming a trellis, said rails comprising forexample openings through which said side rails pass.

The lateral edge profiles of the frame include a projection orientatedtowards the inside of the frame, this projection being able to supportthe lateral extremities of the rails or side rails, the rails and siderails extending to a height ht lower than that hp of the profiles so asto be hidden from view after placing the fabric.

Stiffening means are mounted on the trellis of the rails and side railsand on an upper extremity sole of the frame border profiles, thesestiffening means being slanted with respect to the extension plane ofthe fabric.

These stiffening means are selected from the group including bracketgirders, turnbuckles, tightening turnbuckles or any other equivalentelement.

The lateral edge of said frame is formed of profiles including a mainwall on which extend in the direction of the inside of the frame fromone edge to another of the profiles: an upper extreme sole; a firstL-shaped projection when viewed as a cross section, this projectionforming along with the main wall a support groove with an openingorientated towards the upper extreme sole; a second projectionapproximately perpendicular to the main wall; a third L-shapedprojection when viewed as a cross section; a fourth T-shaped projectionwhen viewed as a cross section, this fourth projection including a wallapproximately perpendicular to the main wall and a wall approximatelyparallel and opposite the main wall; and a fifth projection forming asupport groove for hooking means integral with the circumference of thefabric.

Said upper extreme sole includes a projection approximately parallel tothe main wall and distant from this wall by a value e approximatelyequal to the opening of the support groove, this arrangement allowingthe sliding mounting on the profile of plates whose thickness of itsedges being less than or equal to e, these plates at least partiallymarrying the internal shape of the profiles between the extreme uppersole and the support groove.

The wall of the fourth projection is provided with a rib distanced fromthe main wall with a value e′ approximately equal to the opening of thegroove defined by the third projection, this arrangement allowing thesliding mounting on the profile of plates whose edge thickness is lessthan or equal to e′, these plates partially at least marrying theinternal shape of the profiles between the wall and the groove.

The plates inserted in the housings are able respectively to form asupport for the rails or side rails and a linking element between theextreme portions of two continuous profiles of the frame.

The fabric is made of a material selected from the group including wovenor non-woven textile fibres, polymer films, especially polyvinylchloride, polyvinylidene chloride, this fabric being possibly providedwith ink jet digital printing or silk screen printing, microperforations or an anti-reverberating surface coating so as to improveits acoustic properties.

According to a second characteristic, the invention concerns theapplication of a false partition element as described above as abuilding suspended false ceiling element, linking means linking theframe to the ceiling of the building.

According to a third characteristic, the invention concerns theapplication of a false partition element as described above as a falsewall element of a building, linking means linking the frame of theelement to a wall of said building.

In one embodiment, the linking means are able to ensure a rigid mountingof the false partition element on the building structure.

As a variant or in combination, the linking means are able to ensure amounting of the false partition element on the structure of the buildingin which the average distance between the frame of the false partitionelement and the wall opposite the building is able to be adjusted ifrequired, the linking means being in particular telescopic.

According to a fourth characteristic, the invention concerns falseceilings including at least two false partition elements as describedabove.

In one embodiment, a portion of the lateral border of the frame of atleast one of the false partition elements is placed opposite and fixedagainst a building wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Other aims and advantages of the invention shall appear on reading thefollowing description of embodiments with reference to the accompanyingdrawings on which:

FIG. 1A is a cutaway view of a suspended false ceiling element with ataut fabric according to the invention,

FIG. 1B is a detailed face-on view of exemplary printing on the tautfabric of figure

FIG. 1C is a cutaway view of a curved frame, according to one embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 1D is a detailed view of a curved frame, according to anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1E is a cutaway view of another embodiment of a suspended falseceiling, including bars used to the deform the taut fabric of thesuspended false ceiling;

FIG. 2A is a detailed view along the narrow A of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B is an alternate detailed view along the arrow A of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of means for mounting at a right angle supportprofiles for the taut fabric according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a detailed view showing the placing of the rail support meanson the support profiles of the taut fabric in one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the means for mounting curved supportprofiles of the taut fabric in one embodiment;

FIGS. 6 a, 6 b, 6 c and 6 d show cross sections of taut fabric supportprofiles, four embodiments of the extreme portions of these profileprovided with means for keeping the false ceiling fabric tensioned.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is first made to FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1A shows a suspended taut fabric ceiling structure including afabric 1 tensioned in a frame 2, this frame being suspended by cables 3from a building structure (not shown). As previously noted, someembodiments of the present invention include linking means that link theframe to a ceiling or wall of a building. Cables 3 are one example ofthis linking means.

In certain embodiments, the cables 3 have approximately identicallengths.

In other embodiments, the cables have different lengths, the frame 2being slanted with respect to the building structure on which it issuspended.

In yet other embodiments, the cables are adjustable. For example, theycan be adjusted by a telescopic mechanism 3 a shown in FIG. 2.

In yet other embodiments, the cables are adjustable. For example, theycan be adjusted by a telescopic mechanism 3 a shown in FIG. 2A.Alternatively, the frame 2 may be rigidly affixed to a wall, ceiling orother structure by the attachment bracket 3 b shown in FIG. 2B.

As shall appear clearly to a man skilled in the art, the taut fabricstructure in the frame 2 could be placed opposite a surface differingfrom a ceiling, such as a wall, rigid linking means allowing the frame 2to be fixed, possibly reversible, onto the wall.

For the sake of simplification, in the rest of this description mentionshall only be made of one placing of the frame 2 with respect to aceiling surface.

The fabric 1 can be made of a material selected from the group includingwoven or non-woven textile fibres, polymer films, especially polyvinylchloride and polyvinylidene chloride.

When this fabric 1 is made of a polymer material, it can be:

-   provided with an ink jet digital printing or silk screen printing,    for example as shown at 102 in FIG. 1A;-   translucent or opaque, possibly fully tinted so as to have a wide    variety of tints;-   provided with a mat, lacquered, marbled, suede or velvet finish;-   provided with a flocking to give it a velvet or woven aspect.    The surface of the fabric is for example then coated with a suitable    adhesive for finely cut textile fibres, the fibres of the flock    being applied by sieving and picking or by under pressure projection    or even by electrostatic means when a high density of fibres is    desired;-   provided with perforations, micro perforations or an    anti-reverberation surface coating so as to improve its acoustic    properties.

When this taut fabric is made of a polymer material, its thickness isnormally between {fraction (1/10)} mm and several millimeters.

The fabric kept tensioned in the frame 2 can be embodied by an assemblyof several breadths, possibly identical, especially as regards theircolours, tints, surface aspect, finishing, printings and dimensions.

Thus for example, several polymer sheet breadths with different tintsand widths can be assembled by butt welding so as to form a monochromeimage inside the frame 2.

Spot light chairs, sprinkler passages or conventional pipe passages canbe placed by conventional means through the taut fabric 1.

The edges of this taut fabric 1 are provided with first retention meanscomplementary to second retention means placed on an extreme portion ofthe profiles forming the frame 2.

Several examples of these retention means shall be describedsubsequently.

There now follows first of all a description of the frame 2.

As shown in FIG. 1C, in one embodiment, a curved lateral edge 104 ofthis frame 2 is formed by bending or curving a single profile and buttwelding 106 one end of the profile to its other end, i.e. butt weldingthe extremities of the profile to each other.

This profile includes at least one curved section. For example, thisprofile has a circular or elliptical shape.

In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1D, the lateral edge 104 of thisframe 2 is formed by butt joining at least two approximately identicalprofiles 5 a and 5 b. At least one of these profiles includes at leastone curved section. For example, said profile is in the shape of an arcof a circle or ellipse.

The profiles forming the lateral edge of the frame are approximatelyrigid so as to be able to keep the fabric 1 tensioned without undergoingany significant deformation.

These profiles can be made of a material selected from the groupincluding metal alloys, especially aluminium or magnesium alloys,polymer materials and composite material.

When these profiles are made of a metal alloy, the embodying of theframe curved section can be obtained by mechanical curving according toone embodiment, or even by moulding.

Mechanical curving has the advantage of making it possible to embody awide variety of curves without changing tools.

If required, a surface coating can be effected on at least the externalface of the profiles. This surface coating could enable the tint of theframe 2 to be coordinated with the tints of the fabric 1, for example bypainting or anodisation of aluminium profiles. This surface coating canalso reinforce protection against corrosion when the frame 2 needs to beplaced in a potentially aggressive environment. For example, the mountedframe unit 2 can be hot galvanised prior to placing the fabric.

So as to reinforce the rigidity of the frame 2 and its dimensionalstability, rails 4 and side rails 4 a forming braces can be placed,especially when the frame is large.

In the embodiment shown on FIG. 1A, rails 4 are mounted approximatelyperpendicular to the profiles 5 forming the lateral edge of the frame 2,these rails 4 including openings 6 through which the side rails 4 apass.

The assembly formed by the rails 4 and side rails 4 a forms a trellis,for example a square or rectangular mesh truss.

This trellis extends up to a height ht lower than that hp of theprofiles 5 so as to be hidden from view after placing of the fabric 1.

The rails and side rails may for example by H or I girders, possiblyalveolar, T bars of the type used for certain suspended ceilings, thesebeing assembled together by welding or any other equivalent method.

The trellis of the rails and side rails form in certain embodiments asupport for various types of equipment, such as:

-   -   acoustic absorption material (for example slabs or rock wool        laps or glass fibres);    -   lighting systems;    -   ventilation systems;    -   aeration systems;    -   acoustic chambers;    -   sprinklers.

When lighting systems are placed, the taut fabric can be illuminatedfrom above, this taut fabric being for example perforated ortranslucent. In other embodiments, the taut fabric is provided with atleast one light source passage (spotlights . . . ), this fabric beingreinforced by Forex washers or any other equivalent reinforcementelement.

Struts 7 are assembled at their first extreme portion 7 a to the trellisof the rails and side rails by being screwed onto the rails 4 as shownon FIG. 1A.

These struts 7 are mounted at their second extreme portion on an upperextremity sole 8 of the profiles 5, for example by welding, riveting,bolting, glueing or any other equivalent means.

In the embodiment shown on FIG. 1A, these struts 7 are extended at theirsecond extreme portion 7 b by a plate 7 c intended to come plumb withand opposite the upper sole 8 and by assembled with it by riveting.

The struts 7 are slanted by an angle of about approximately 30° withrespect to the extension plane of the fabric 1 in the embodiment of FIG.1A.

If the selected height hp of the profiles is extremely large, especiallyfor aesthetic reasons, the struts 7 could be fixed at their secondextreme portion 7 b to a projection placed on the internal face of theprofiles 5 below the upper extremity sole 8.

In certain embodiments (not shown), in addition to or in the absence ofthe struts 7, turnbuckles or tightening turnbuckles or any otheradjustable tensioning device for connect the rails and/or the side railsof the trellis with respect to the profiles 5.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2 being a detailed view of FIG. 1A alongthe arrow A.

The lateral border profiles 5 of the frame 2 include a main wall 9approximately perpendicular to the upper extreme sole 8 and having anapproximately flat external surface.

This external surface 9 a may in a variant not be flat, but comprisevertical ribs, grooves, streaks.

The main wall 9 of profiles 5 can be perforated for in particularaesthetic reasons.

This main wall 9 includes several internal projections, namely startingfrom the upper extreme sole 8 and going towards the lower extreme edge:

-   -   a first L-shaped projection 10 when seen as a cross section and        forming with the main wall 9 a support groove 11 having an        opening orientated towards the upper extreme sole 8;    -   a second projection 12 approximately perpendicular to the main        wall;    -   a third L-shaped projection 13 when viewed as a cross section;    -   a fourth T-shaped projection 14 when seen as a cross section,        this fourth projection 14 including a wall 15 approximately        perpendicular to the main wall 9 and a wall 16 approximately        parallel and opposite the main wall 9;    -   a fifth projection 17 forming a support groove for hooking means        18 integral with the circumference of the fabric 1.

The upper extreme sole 8 includes a projection 19 approximately parallelto the main wall 9 and distant from this wall by a value e approximatelyequal to the opening of the support groove 11.

This arrangement allow the sliding mounting on the profile 5 of plateswhose edges have a thickness less than or equal to e, these plates atleast partly marrying the internal shape of the profiles 5 between theupper extreme sole 8 and the support groove 11.

The housing 20 of these plates is shown on FIGS. 6 a and 6 b.

The wall 15 of the fourth projection 14 is provided with a rib 21distant from the main wall by a value e′ approximately equal to theopening of the groove 22 defined by the third projection 13.

This arrangement allows the sliding mounting on the profile 5 of plateswhose edges have a thickness less than or equal to e, these plates atleast partly marrying the internal shape of the profiles 5 between thewall 15 and the groove 22.

The housing 23 of these plates is shown on FIG. 6 b.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2, 6 a and 6 b, the values e and e′ areapproximately equal and the heights h20 and h23 of the housings 20 and23 are approximately equal.

In other embodiments (not shown), the values e and e′ are differentand/or the heights h20 and h23 are also different.

The plates inserted in the housings 20 and 23 may in particular have twofunctions.

A first function shown on FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 is the support function 24for the rails or side rails.

A second function corresponding to FIG. 5 is the linking device functionbetween the extreme portions of two continuous profiles 5 of the frame2.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the supports 24 are arranged inthe housing 23 and include a plate 26 whose external face 27 marries theshape of the internal face 28 of the profile 5 between the thirdprojection 13 and the rib 21.

This plate 26 is provided with a bracket 29 pierced with fixing holes30, this bracket 29 extending approximately perpendicular to the plate26.

By means of riveting, screwing or bolting through the holes 30, therails or side rails are rendered integral with the plates 26 fixed inposition with respect to the profile 5.

The keeping of the plates 26 in position with respect to the profile canbe obtained by welding or jamming in the housing 23 by screw spacers 31.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the linking means include a plate 32 whoseexternal face 33 marries the shape of the internal face 34 of theprofile 5 between the projection 19 of the support groove 11.

This plate 32 is provided with threaded traversing holes fitted in acentral rib 35. Screws 36 thus allow the plate 32 to be locked in thehousing 20.

This plate 32 can reinforce the link by butt welding the borderprofiles.

The plates 32 can be at least partly placed in the housings 23.

In the embodiment shown, the height hp of the profiles is such that twohousings 20 and 23 can be provided for the support plates 26 and themounting plates 32.

This profile height hp moreover allows the placing on the trellis of therails and side rails of a heat insulating material 100 (FIG. 1A) and/ora sound insulating material such as a porous or fibrous material of anyknown type, this heat insulating material and sound insulation materialremaining invisible to the naked eye and being placed at a predeterminedadjustable distance from the fabric 1.

In other embodiments (not shown), the height hp of the profiles is suchthat a single slide inside the profile forms an insertion housing viathe sliding of the support plates 24 and the mounting plates 32.

The extreme lateral portions of the rails and side rails rest againstthe wall 15 of the fourth projection 14.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2 and 6 b, the girders of the rails and/orthe side rails are assembled on the walls 15 by riveting or any otherequivalent means.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6 a, the fourth projection 14′ has the generalshape of an L and not a T and includes a wall 15′ approximatelyperpendicular to the main wall 9 of the profile 5 and a wall 16′approximately opposite this main wall 9. In this variant, the trellis ofthe rails and side rails is not riveted to the wall 15′ but can bewelded to it.

The shapes of the profiles shown as cross sections on FIGS. 6 a and 6 bcan be used together for embodying the lateral edge of the frame, theprofile 6 a being more specifically adapted to the curved portions ofthe frame, the profile 6 b being more adapted to the rectilinearportions of this frame.

The edges of the fabric 1 can be fixed by hooking or support on a stopof the border profiles. In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the hooking meansof the fabric 1 are kept in support in the fifth projection 17, thelower edge of the wall 16 forming an angular member for the fabric 1.

Other embodiments of the means for retaining tension of the fabric 1 areshown on FIGS. 6 c and 6 d.

FIG. 6 c shows a side edge profile 5 of the frame 2 whose extreme fabrichooking edge includes a curved projection 14″ opposite a hooking rivet17′.

FIG. 6 d shows a diagram of another embodiment of the hooking means ofthe taut fabric. The hooking portion of the profile includes:

-   -   a bottom wall 50 approximately perpendicular to the main wall;    -   a section 51 slanted with respect to the bottom wall 50 and        defining with the latter an angle of between several degrees and        about 45 degrees;    -   an edge 52 approximately parallel to the main wall 9;    -   a projection 53 approximately perpendicular to the edge 52.

Depending on the shape of the hooking means, the taut fabric could berendered flush with respect to the extreme edge of the profiles 5 or beplaced standing back inside the frame 2.

The frame profiles, if required, can be assembled at a right angle asshown on FIG. 3, angle reinforcements 40 mounted on the projections ofthe profiles being as a support for screwing, riveting or welding.

Thus, a frame with a rectangular or square contour can be obtained.

More generally, by adjusting the cut of the ended profiles, it ispossible to obtain a frame with a polygonal contour.

The frame with a taut fabric described above makes it possible to embodyelements of suspended false ceilings or false walls whose contoursinclude curved, concave or convex sections.

For example, it is therefore possible to embody approximately flat tautfalse suspended ceiling elements and in the shape of disk or rings.

These suspended taut false ceiling elements may further include meansfor deforming the fabric along a direction perpendicular or slanted withrespect to the frame. These deformations means are, for example as shownin FIG. 1E, bars 108 joined to the frame 2 and exerting local pressureon the taut fabric 1. This pressure can be adjusted by an indexedmounting of said bars on the rails or side rails. The three dimensionaleffects obtained shall be varied according to the shape of the supportsurfaces of the bars on the fabric in particular.

Several elements of these suspended taut ceilings can be placed atidentical heights or different heights, their contours being possiblycomplementary like the parts of a puzzle.

Thus as mentioned earlier, chains or any other equivalent suspensiondevice enable the frame to be suspended with respect to the buildingstructure.

If required, these suspension means allow the frame to be adjusted withrespect to the structure of the building.

Of course, as a variant, it may be desired to fix permanently the tautfalse ceiling element to the body of the building, on a ceiling, a wallor any other wall.

It is possible to have a wide variety of the shapes of the suspendedtaut false ceiling elements described above inside the plane and thespace available.

These shape variations combined with variations of tints, colours andfinishings of the taut fabric enable these elements to be adapted to thevaried layout of extremely large areas, such as commercial galleries,airports, factories and warehouses.

1. A false partition element comprising: a frame comprising at least oneprofile, each profile having an attachment projection and a lateraledge, the lateral edge of at least one profile being curved along atleast a portion thereof; a fabric stretched inside the frame, at leastone edge of the fabric having an attachment element co-operating withthe attachment projection to attach the fabric to the profile, wherein avisible portion of the stretched fabric has a shape defined at least inpart by the curve of the lateral edge of the profile; and a stiffeningelement attached to at least one of the plurality of rails and to anupper extremity sole of the profile; wherein said frame furthercomprises a plurality of rails mounted approximately perpendicular tothe profile.
 2. The false partition element according to claim 1,wherein the stiffening member is chosen from a group comprising a beam,a strut, a tumbucide and a tightening trundle.
 3. A false partitionelement comprising: a frame comprising at least one profile, eachprofile having an attachment projection and a lateral edge, the lateraledge of at least one profile being curved along at least a portionthereof; and a fabric stretched inside the frame, at least one edge ofthe fabric having an attachment element co-operating with the attachmentprojection to attach the fabric to the profile, wherein a visibleportion of the stretched fabric has a shape defined at least in part bythe curve of the lateral edge of the profile; wherein the profileincludes a main wall having a plurality of extensions oriented inward ofthe profile, said plurality of extensions comprising: an upper extremesole, a first L-shaped projection, when seen as a cross section, thefirst L-shaped projection forming, with the main wall, a first supportgroove with an opening oriented towards the upper extreme sole, a secondprojection approximately perpendicular to the main wall, a thirdL-shaped projection, when viewed as a cross section, the fourth a fourthT-shaped projection, when viewed as a cross section, the fourthprojection comprising a first wall approximately perpendicular to themain wall and a second wall approximately parallel to the main wall, andthe attachment projection.
 4. The false partition element according toclaim 3, wherein said upper extreme sole comprises a projectionapproximately parallel to the main wall and a spaced apart from the mainwall by a first distance, thereby defining a first housing to slideablyaccept a first profile plate whose thickness is less than or equal tothe first distance between the upper extreme sole and the first supportgroove.
 5. The false partition element according to claim 4, wherein thefirst wall of the fourth projection includes a rib spaced apart from themain wall by a second distance approximately equal to a size of anopening of a second support groove defined by the third projection,thereby defining a second housing to slideably accept a second profileplate whose thickness is less than or equal to the second distance. 6.The partition element according to claim 5, wherein the first distanceapproximately equals the second distance and a height of the firsthousing approximately equals a height of the second housing.
 7. Thefalse partition element according to claim 6, further comprising firstand second profile plates respectively introduced into the first andsecond housings.
 8. The false partition element according to claim 7,further comprising: a plurality of rails mounted approximatelyperpendicular to the profile; and a plurality of rail supports, eachcomprising: a main plate whose external face marries a shape of aninternal face between the third projection and the rib, and a bracketextending approximately perpendicular to the main plate and attached toat least one of the plurality of rails.
 9. The false partition elementaccording to claim 7, wherein at least one of the first and secondprofile plates has an external face that marries a shape of an internalface of the profile and at least one threaded hole, each threaded holebeing fitted with a screw for locking the profile plate to the profile.10. The false partition element according to claim 4, wherein the firstwall of the fourth projection includes a rib spaced apart from the mainwall by a second distance approximately equal to a size of an opening ofa second support groove defined by the third projection, therebydefining a second housing to slideably accept a second profile platewhose thickness is less than or equal to the second distance.
 11. Thefalse partition element according to claim 8, wherein at least one ofthe first and second profile plates has an external face that marries ashape of an internal face of the profile and at least one threaded hole,each threaded hole being fitted with a screw for locking the profileplate to the profile.
 12. A false partition element comprising: a framecomprising at least one profile, each profile having an attachmentprojection and a lateral edge, the lateral edge of at least one profilebeing curved along at least a portion thereof; and a fabric stretchedinside the frame, at least one edge of the fabric having an attachmentelement co-operating with the attachment projection to attach the fabricto the profile, wherein a visible portion of the stretched fabric has ashape defined at least in part by the curve of the lateral edge of theprofile; and wherein: said frame further comprises a plurality of railsmounted approximately perpendicular to the profiles; said frame furthercomprises a plurality of side rails, the rails and side rails forming atrellis; said rails define openings passed through by said side rails;the profile includes a main wall having a plurality of projectionsoriented inward of the main wall; the rails extend up to a height lessthan a height of the profile, whereby the rails and side rails arehidden from view by the profile; said frame further comprises astiffening element attached to at least one of the plurality of railsand to an upper extremity side of the profile, said stiffening elementbeing slanted with respect to plane of the fabric and chosen from thegroup, comprising beams, struts, turnbuckles and tightening trundles.13. The false partition element according to claim 12, wherein the frameis adjustably attached to a building ceiling and attached to a buildingwall.
 14. The false partition element according to claim 12, furthercomprising: a second frame comprising at least one second profile havingan attachment projection and a lateral edge; and a second fabricstretched inside the second frame, at least one edge of the secondfabric having an attachment element co-operating with the attachmentprojection to attach the second fabric to the second profile; andwherein at least one of the first or second frames is attached to abuilding wall.
 15. A false partition element comprising: a framecomprising at least one profile, each profile having an attachmentprojection and a lateral edge, the lateral edge of at least one profilebeing curved along at least a portion thereof; and a fabric stretchedinside the frame, at least one edge of the fabric having an attachmentelement co-operating with the attachment projection to attach the fabricto the profile, wherein a visible portion of the stretched fabric has ashape defined at least in part by the curve of the lateral edge of theprofile; and wherein: the profile includes a main wall having aplurality of projections oriented inward of said main wall, saidplurality of projections comprising: an upper extreme sole, a firstL-shaped projection, when seen as a cross section, the first L-shapedprojection forming, with the main wall, a first support groove with anopening orientated towards the upper extreme sole, a second projectionapproximately perpendicular to the main wall, a third L-shapedprojection, when viewed as a cross section, a fourth T-shapedprojection, when viewed as a cross section, the fourth projectioncomprising a first wall approximately perpendicular to the main wall anda second wall approximately parallel to the main wall, the attachmentprojection, said upper extreme sole comprises a projection approximatelyparallel to the main wall and spaced apart from the main wall by a firstdistance, thereby defining a first housing to slideably accept a firstprofile plate whose thickness is less than or equal to the firstdistance between the upper extreme sole and the first support groove;the first wall of the fourth projection includes a rib spaced apart fromthe main wall by a second distance approximately equal to a size of anopening of a second support groove defined by the third projection,thereby defining a second housing to slideably accept a second profileplate whose thickness is less than or equal to the second distance; aheight of the first housing approximately equals a height of the secondhousing; further comprising first and second profile plates respectivelyintroduced into the first and second housings, wherein at least one ofthe first and second profile plates has an external face that marries ashape of an internal face of the profile and at least one threaded hole,each threaded hole being fitted with a screw for locking the profileplate to the profile; further comprising a plurality of rails mountedapproximately perpendicular to the profile; further comprising aplurality of rail supports, each comprising: a main plate whose externalface marries a shape of an internal face between the third projectionand the rib, and a bracket extending approximately perpendicular to themain plate and attached to at least one of the plurality of rails. 16.The false partition element according to claim 15, wherein the frame isadjustably attached to a building ceiling and attached to a buildingwall.
 17. The false partition element according to claim 15, furthercomprising: a second frame comprising at least one second profile havingan attachment projection and a lateral edge; and a second fabricstretched inside the second frame, at least one edge of the secondfabric having an attachment element co-operating with the attachmentprojection to attach the second fabric to the second profile; andwherein at least one of the first or second frame is attached to abuilding wall.